Even if the impact of global warming climate change on the wine industry isn’t top of mind for you, know that vineyards around the world have been hit hard. Climate change is making conditions unfavourable for winemaking in several ways, such as causing grapes to ripen too quickly or causing plants to die outright. That’s why both winemakers and drinkers have had to change their methods. Although certain places are being hit more than others, several of the world’s most renowned wine-producing areas are currently under siege.
Recent heatwaves in the UK reaching 40 degrees Celsius have attracted attention to the issue of climate change. Extreme heat like this is unheard of in Britain, where the average July temperature is closer to 17 degrees Celsius. As a result of these heatwaves, on August 25, 2022, floods in Pakistan were declared a national emergency. Climate change is exacerbating monsoon rains, which are the direct cause of these floods. Currently, water covers an area the size of the UK that is the equal of one-third of Pakistan.
In light of recent events, it’s clear that climate change is a serious issue that affects nearly every facet of human existence. This also applies to the making of wine, and it does so in this way:
Wine’s Influence on the Elements
Grape ripening is highly sensitive to temperature fluctuations, therefore viticulture and climate go hand in hand. The acidity or sweetness of a grape’s flavour depends on its ripeness.
Some of the world’s best-tasting and most fruity wines come from warmer climates like those found in Australia, California, and the south of France. In contrast, northern France, the United Kingdom, and South Africa all have cooler climates, which result in wines with a higher acidity.
A wine’s unique flavour can only be achieved at very certain temperatures. There is no denying the fact that climate change is having a negative impact on wine production around the world.
the effects of climate change on vineyards
Grapes are incredibly delicate plants that are easily damaged by even subtle shifts in humidity and temperature. The optimal temperature range for the growing season is between 12 and 22 degrees Celsius, and a good amount of precipitation is required. Grapes require a temperate climate, as either too much cold or too much heat can hinder their development. A sudden frost, unpredictable precipitation, milder winters, and scorching summers are all on the way thanks to climate change, which apparently didn’t get the memo about global warming. Unfortunately, none of these unpredictabilities are optimal for the steady circumstances necessary for making wine.
Changes in temperature are likely to have devastating effects on vines, including:
- Slower development because of drought
Grapes that ripen too quickly because of rising temperatures
Some areas may see immediate benefits from this climatic shift; the UK wine industry, for example, may flourish in the wake of rising temperatures. Nonetheless, several of the world’s most important wine-producing regions, including France, are suffering greatly.
Already, frost and wildfires have wiped out half of the harvest at some French vineyards, and the country’s entire harvest might drop by as much as 29%. In light of this, winemaking techniques everywhere in the world are undergoing widespread change. Varietal expansion, seasonal shifts in harvesting, and relocation to other areas are all examples of these alterations. In the absence of these changes, the winemaking sector will perish under the impact of global warming.
Modifying the World’s Wine Map
The bright side is that the distribution of winemaking regions around the world is expected to grow rather than shrink over time. Nevertheless, traditional wine-producing regions will need to adapt to new grape varieties, and new countries will enter the premium wine market. As a result, it’s possible that the division between wines from the Old World and those from the New World will fade away.
North Germany, the United Kingdom, and Finland have long had cooler temperatures, but thanks to global warming, they are now major players in the premium wine market. Different grape varietals will need to be adopted in Southern European countries including Portugal, Italy, and Spain due to heat and water shortages. In a similar vein, wineries in the northwest United States and Canadian provinces may need to switch to grape types that do better in warmer conditions. As global warming continues, countries like New Zealand, Australia, and South Africa will have no choice but to adjust to changes like increased drought and greater temperatures.
Cranville Wine Racks, a Modern Solution for an Ancient Problem
A new era in the wine business is upon us, and it’s all because of global warming. It’s possible that some of your favourite wines could go, while others you’ve never heard of before will emerge in the market. You can adjust to the new era of winemaking with the help of Cranville Wine Racks, no matter what effects climate change may have. If you need storage, please get in touch with us.
